§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to restrict the availability for human consumption of dried, canned or frozen beef from cattle over 30 months of age and slaughtered before 29 March. [827]
§ Mrs. BrowningI will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
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§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much beef from animals aged over 30 months has been consumed for personal use since 29 March. [817]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe Fresh Meat (Beef Controls) (No.2) Regulations 1996, SI 1996 No. 2097, as amended, prohibit the sale for human consumption of any meat derived from bovine animals aged over 30 months and slaughtered on or after 29 March, save for that from countries specified in the regulations where the Government are satisfied we can import beef without risk, and from animals slaughtered for human consumption under the beef assurance scheme. It has, however, been possible for the meat from bovine animals aged over 30 months to be returned for personal consumption by their owners—the so called "private kill" provision. Such meat is not permitted to be sold or made available in circumstances equivalent to retail sale. We have no information on the amount of meat that may have been consumed in this way, but believe that only a small number of animals are involved. We are currently considering proposals for tightening the controls on private kills.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what legislation prevents the use of beef in processed food for human consumption from animals aged over 30 months deposited in intervention cold store before 29 March. [818]
§ Mrs. BrowningCommission regulation 1757/96 of 10 September authorised the removal from intervention store, with a view to incineration, of all beef held in intervention on 27 March.